Double treats in Taiwan: Buy one, get one free as matcha brand celebrates entry into Changi Airport

By ScenicSpots.com compiled report 
 
The Japanese matcha dessert specialty store “Ichiba Matcha Lounge,” which selects premium Uji matcha from Kyoto as its base, freshly crafts a variety of high-quality desserts on-site. On July 26 this year, “Ichiba Matcha Lounge” expanded into Singapore to grow its brand, opening its first Southeast Asia branch in SUNTEC CITY Shopping Mall, followed by a second outlet at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 on September 26.

In addition to entering Southeast Asia, “Ichiba Matcha Lounge” has expanded from Taipei to New Taipei City within five years of entering Taiwan. On October 1, it opened its fifth branch inside Banqiao World Globe Shopping Mall. A trial run was held from October 1 to 7, with the official opening on October 8. The store also features interior design by a Japanese designer, showcasing a refined, cozy, and textured shop style.

A major highlight of the Banqiao World Globe branch is the design of the back wall, which uses “wood wool cement board”—a material typically used for wall underlays or warehouse ceilings and rarely for main visual displays. The Japanese interior designer incorporated this simple and understated material into the design, making it exceptionally unique. This thoughtful creativity mirrors the spirit of the Japanese tea ceremony.

Additionally, the segmented “wood wool cement board” is colored and arranged in a gradient pattern to create a “seemingly” tile-like effect. This technique is actually inspired by the ancient tea master Sen no Rikyū, who elevated the space of a tea room by simply placing a single flower in an ordinary bamboo vase. By understanding the strengths of the material and showcasing it in the most dazzling way possible, the design gradually transitions from the signature iron gray-copper tone of the Ichiba Matcha Lounge style into a gradation of matcha green, allowing customers to experience the beauty of transformation.

To celebrate the opening of the Ichiba Matcha Lounge at the five-in-one transit hub Banqiao World Globe Shopping Mall and allow more customers to enjoy its delicious offerings, from October 1 to 7, there will be a “Buy One Get One Half Off” promotion on the “Black Sesame Jelly Matcha Sundae” and “Black Sesame Jelly Hojicha Sundae.” Choose any two flavors for a special price of NT$207 (original price for two is NT$276). Each sundae includes matcha/hojicha ice cream, mochi pearls, red bean paste balls, and black sesame jelly—offering a rich and delightful taste. From October 8 to 14, enjoy a “Buy One Get One Free” deal on the Mixed Warabi Mochi Cup (original price per cup NT$88, limit one set per person, while supplies last). The Mixed Warabi Mochi Cup includes both matcha and soybean flour warabi mochi, as well as roasted soybean flour warabi mochi—freshly made daily, this traditional Japanese dessert is soft, chewy, and flavorful.